9 idyllic lavender fields to visit in the UK this summer
It’s not just bees who love lavender. Soothe your soul this summer by discovering some of the best, brightest and most beautiful lavender fields the country has to offer
The changing of the seasons transforms the UK in a riot of colours – spring with its pink and white blossoms, and autumn with its deep reds and oranges as the leaves begin to fall.
Nothing says summer like the purple of lavender, with fields across the UK reaching peak bloom between mid-July and mid-August. Want to see (and smell) it for yourself? Then you should be booking a trip to one of these idyllic farms this summer.
1. Cotswold Lavender, Cotswold Hills
Typically open for visitors from mid-June until the beginning of August, there’s a limited window open for appreciating Hill Barn Farm’s sweeping lavender fields, stretching over 225km of land.
A weekday visit is highly recommended if you hope to see the 35 lavender varieties (and 250,000 plants total) without the crowds. Of course, you get more than lavender from a trip here: a postcard-ready view of the Cotswold countryside, plus the chance to spy the new, growing crop of camomile. Lavender oil is for sale in the farm shop, as well as skincare products.
Opening dates for 2025: 18 June-6 August
More information: Cotswold Lavender
2. Mayfield Lavender, Surrey
This Banstead-based lavender field is the largest organic lavender field in the UK. It makes a picturesque day trip, particularly given its proximity to the 422 sq km Surrey Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and given how easy it is to visit from the capital (it’s 24km from central London).
The back-to-nature, wading-through-the-purple-flowers experience is complete with a spot of tea at the charming Mayfield café, and a chance to purchase lavender products in the farm shop. Weekday visits are recommended.
Opening dates in 2025: 14 June-17 August
More information: Mayfield Lavender
3. Tarhill Farm, Kinross, Scotland
This sustainable lavender family farm – the biggest in Scotland – grows seven varieties of lavender, including Folgate and Grosso, along the banks of Loch Leven Nature Reserve. It also has three honeybee hives to help encourage pollination – that’s a massive 100,000 bumble bees on site.
A guided tour is included in the entry fee, and you’ll get to explore the fields as well as the distillery and perfumery, learning more about the process along the way.
Opening dates for 2025: From 1 July
More information: Tarhill Lavender
4. Somerset Lavender, Somerset
Somerset Lavender, based in the pleasant Somerset village of Faulkland, has a five-acre field blooming with 50,000 flowers in 20 lavender varieties. Birders will enjoy spotting swifts and swallows, and expect plenty of bee and butterflies on site, too.
The farm also has a Healing Garden, filled with the soothing scents of lemon balm, arnica and echinacea. You can stock up on gifts at the farm shop, which sells lavender goods and honey, as well as enjoying a cuppa in the café.
5. Yorkshire Lavender, Yorkshire
Situated in northern England, this lovely, 60-acre lavender garden is just 23km from York, and 5km west from Castle Howard, a grand stately home worth a visit in itself.
Not only are you able to wander through and admire the pale and dark shades of purple rippling through the field, you can also get lost in a lavender maze, enjoy a host of other gardens (including a Sensory Garden) and sample lavender-imbued scones and ice cream at EJ’s Tea Room.
Opening dates for 2025: 1 May-31 August
More information: Yorkshire Lavender
6. Castle Farm, Kent
Proud owners of the ‘UK’s largest lavender farm’ title, the 1,100-acre Castle Farm near Shoreham, Kent is the perfect nature escape for those keen to get out of the capital. Especially when you consider its prime location in the pretty Darent Valley.
You can book a regular lavender walk through the fields, or you can opt for the guided tour, where you’ll get to go behind the scenes and discover how oil is extracted and used in products. You can also book a BYO picnic in the Ladybird Lavender Field, or grab lavender products and local produce at the on-site shop.
Opening dates for 2025: 13 June-late July
More information: Castle Farm
7. Hitchin Lavender, Hertfordshire
With 56km of lavender meadows within reach of Cambridge and London, Hitchin Lavender is an ideal nature escape for city dwellers. Not to mention that you’ll also find rows upon rows of sunflowers here from early August onwards, as well as fields of wildflowers.
Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, alongside getting your steps in (and snapping lots of photos), you’re also able to pick your own lavender. Be sure to make time for a spot of tea in the 17th century barn, or wander the museum – a recreation of the 19th-century, lavender-loving Perks & Llewellyn Pharmacy.
Opening dates for 2025: 21 June-17 August
More information: Hitchin Lavender
8. Kew Gardens, London
Kew Gardens needs little introduction to fauna fans, thanks to its Bamboo Garden, Rose Garden, rhododendron dell, collection of carnivorous plants, indoor rainforest and 14,000-strong arboretum, to name just a few attractions.
Lavender lovers won’t find a full field, but should visit the Great Broadwalk Borders, Mediterranean Garden and Davies Alpine House to catch a glimpse of purple among the rainbow symphony of flowers on display. It’s best to visit in July or August for your best chance seeing lavender.
Pre-book tickets in advance, and remember that Kew’s various gardens have their own opening and closing times. Check the website for full information.
Open until: Year-round
9. The Lavender Fields, Hampshire
Located just outside Atlon, Hartley Park Farm planted its first English lavender field back in 1999, opening to the public two years later. Today, it’s a popular local attraction, with guests able to visit from mid-June.
The café overlooks the lavender fields, and there’s an on-site shop selling lavender products.
Opening dates for 2025: 16 June-mid August
More information: The Lavender Fields
